Andean Snipe

It is sometimes considered conspecific with the Fuegian Snipe, Gallinago stricklandii, which is also known as the Cordilleran Snipe. The scientific name of the Andean Snipe commemorates the Scottish botanist William Jameson.

The Andean Snipe is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

The Andean Snipe, Gallinago jamesoni, is a small, stocky wader. It breeds in the Andes in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. It appears to be entirely sedentary, with no evidence of migration. It is sometimes considered conspecific with the Fuegian Snipe, Gallinago stricklandii, which is also known as the Cordilleran Snipe. The scientific name of the Andean Snipe commemorates the Scottish botanist William Jameson. More

The Andean Snipe makes a whee-tschwu call in its display flight. Compared with other snipe with an overlapping range, Andean Snipe is obviously larger, with a heavy woodcock-like flight on broad wings which lack a white trailing edge. On the ground, it lacks the clear pale stripes of its smaller relatives. Furthermore, the race of the Magellan Snipe which occurs in the Andes, Gallinago paraguiaiae andina, has yellow legs. More

The Andean Snipe forages by pushing its long bill deep into the mud seeking insects and worms. Its cryptic plumage provides effective camouflage when the bird stands motionless amongst marsh vegetation. Status The Andean Snipe has a large range, with an estimated extent of 260,000 km More

Andean Snipe occurs within the range of Noble Snipe, but has broad wings, a barred belly and dark underparts. Migrant Common and Magellan Snipe are smaller, have more pointed wings and white trailing edged to the wings. Behaviour - The Noble Snipe is found high altitude wet grassland marshes and swamps from 2,700 - 4,200 m. More

Andean Snipe, Gallinago jamesoni, is similar in build to Imperial, but is paler on the throat and underwings, and has a less contrasted lower belly. Behaviour The Imperial Snipe occurs around the tree-line at 2,745-3,700 m altitude in mosaic habitats consisting of a mixture of bogs, mossy areas, moist elfin forest, tree-ferns and tall grass. Little is known is known about its habits and it is mostly observed when displaying. More